Metals contamination in soils and vegetables in metal smelter contaminated sites in Huangshi, China

This study investigated the source and magnitude of metal contamination in soils and vegetables collected in the vicinity of the Daye smelter, China. Results showed that soils and vegetables were heavily contaminated by cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The average levels of Cd and Pb in vegetables were 0.21 and 3.28 mg/kg fresh weight, respectively. Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) operational speciation analysis indicated that the source of metals in soils probably resulted from sewage irrigation and contaminated sediment. Transfer and correlation coefficients were also calculated to evaluate the bioavailability of metals to vegetables. This investigation highlights the potential risk to local residents via consumption of vegetables.